Junior Sailing Program

The Austin Yacht Club is a leader in youth sailing education in Central Texas. The “Roadrunner” Junior Sailing Program provides the opportunity for youth to develop the skills and confidence necessary to spark a life-long love of the sport. Our Junior Sailing Program runs from March to mid-November with course offerings for junior sailors of all ages and levels of experience. Now open to the public!

Opti I: Beginner

No sailing experience necessary! This introductory program is designed to teach sailors ages 8-12 the basics aboard our fleet of Optimists and Picos. Curriculum emphasizes the basics of sailing terminology, seamanship skills like knot tying and rigging, and boat handling.

Opti II: Intermediate & Opti III: Advanced

Opti II curriculum focuses on refining boat handling skills and introductory racing skills and concepts. On Wednesdays, Opti II & III groups share a practice time led by two coaches so that the sailors can be separated by skill level for chalk talks, drills, and activities as needed. On Saturdays, Opti II has its own separate practice time. Opti II practices are offered twice a week. Sailors have the choice of attending either practice or both.

Opti III practice is for those sailors who are interested in the highest level of competition. This curriculum is geared towards improving racing tactics, advanced boat handling, and knowledge of the racing rules. On Wednesdays, Opti II & III groups share a practice time led by two coaches so that the sailors can be separated by skill level for chalk talks, drills, and activities as needed. On Saturdays, due to the travel schedule of most of our Opti III sailors, practices will be held on 6 weekends for 5 hours per practice, so as to maximize the practice time our sailors receive. Opti III practices are offered twice a week. Sailors have the choice of attending either practice or both.

All registrants for Opti II & III must have approval from the AYC Coaching Staff.

Laser I: Intermediate & Laser II: Advanced

Laser I curriculum focuses on refining boat handling skills and introductory racing skills and concepts. On Thursdays, Laser I & II groups share a practice time led by two coaches so that the sailors can be separated by skill level for chalk talks, drills, and activities as needed. On Saturdays, Laser I has its own separate practice time. Laser I practices are offered twice a week. Sailors have the choice of attending either practice or both. All participants must be at least 12 years of age.

Laser II practice is for those sailors who are interested in the highest level of competition. This curriculum is geared towards improving racing tactics, advanced boat handling, and knowledge of the racing rules. On Thursdays, Laser I & II groups share a practice time led by two coaches so that the sailors can be separated by skill level for chalk talks, drills, and activities as needed. On Saturdays, due to the travel schedule of most of our Laser II sailors, practices will be held on 6 weekends for 5 hours per practice, so as to maximize the practice time our sailors receive. Laser II practices are offered twice a week. Sailors have the choice of attending either practice or both.

All registrants for Laser II must have prior sailing experience approved by the AYC Coaching staff.

Flying Junior (FJ)

No prior sailing experience necessary! Flying Juniors (FJs) are double-handed (two-person) boats. Inexperienced sailors will be partnered with experienced skippers. Curriculum is focused on boat handing and racing skills, rules, and tactics. All participants must be at least 12 years of age.

High School Sailing

AYC is proud to announce an official high school sailing program beginning spring of 2017! This high school program will be open to everyone in 8th-12th grades. The sailors will use our club-owned fleet of Flying Juniors. The focus of this high school program is twofold. Most importantly the sailors will learn the basics of sailing, rigging, and introductory racing. Once the sailors have mastered these skills the curriculum will switch to advanced racing tactics, boat handling, and an intense knowledge of the racing rules of sailing.

There is no sailing experience required to join this program! Inexperienced sailors will be paired up with more experienced skippers to facilitate learning. There will be two practices per week (Tuesday & Friday) and attendance of both is extremely encouraged. There is no additional cost for two practices vs. one.

2017 Junior Sailing Program Fees

*Per Season

Private Lessons

If you cannot find a training option that fits your needs and schedule, or if you prefer a more private approach, AYC offers private lessons that can be scheduled at your convenience! Whatever your needs are, our US Sailing certified instructors will work with you to tailor a training experience that’s right for you. Per Person Hourly Rate